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Melanoma

Melanoma

(Cutaneous Melanoma; Malignant Melanoma)

Definition

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It is the less common form of skin cancer, but it can be more serious because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body.

Melanoma arises from the type of cells that give
moles
their dark colors. These cells can be found in the skin, eyes, digestive system, nail beds, or lymph nodes. Although melanoma is most common in the skin ,it may also arise in these other areas.

Treatment for melanoma depends on how early it is detected, or if the melanoma has spread.

Causes

Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. Eventually these uncontrolled cells form a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant growths. These growths invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. It is not clear exactly what causes these problems in the cells but is probably a combination of genetics and environment.

Risk Factors

The most common risk factor for melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The most common source of this radiation comes form the sun, but it is also found in sun lamps and tanning booths.

Melanoma is found most often in older adults, but it can happen in young adults. Other factors that may increase your risk of developing melanoma include:

Certain types of moles called dysplastic nevi, or atypical moles

Large nevi present at birth

Fair skin, freckling

Red or blonde hair

Light-colored eyes

Caucasian race

Family members with melanoma

Excessive skin exposure to the sun without protective clothing or sunscreen

Suppressed immune system

Symptoms

Melanomas are not usually painful. They often have no symptoms at first.

The first sign is often a change in the size, shape, color, or feel of an existing mole. Melanoma may also appear as a new, dark, discolored, or abnormal mole. Remember that most people have moles. Almost all moles are benign.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Your doctor will look at your skin and moles. A
sample
of area will be removed and sent to a lab for closer examination.

Your doctor may also examine lymph nodes. Enlarged lymph nodes may suggest the spread of melanoma. A sample of lymph node tissue may also be removed for testing.

Once melanoma is found, more tests will be done to determine the stage of cancer. Melanoma is staged like other cancers, from I to IV. The stage will help determine your treatment course.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the stage of the melanoma. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options may include one or more of the following:

Surgery

The melanoma
and some healthy tissue around it will be
removed
. If a large area of tissue is removed,
skin
from another area of your body will be needed to cover the wound. Lymph nodes near the tumor may also be removed for testing or to stop the spread of cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy
is medication that kills cancer cells.
It is used to treat advanced melanoma.

Other Medications

Immunotherapy is used to treat advanced melanoma, and melanoma that has a high risk of return. Immunotherapy trains the body's own immune system to find and destroy cancer cells.

Some people have a genetic mutation in the BRAF gene that can cause the melanoma to grow and divide quickly. This BRAF mutation occurs in nearly half of all melanomas. Certain medications can help your body target cells with the BRAF mutation.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy
is
the use of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This is not a cure for melanoma. It is used in combination with other therapies.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.